WHITECRAIGS 10 - 15 KILMARNOCK

WHITECRAIGS bowed out of this season’s knock out competitions despite a late rallying charge on Saturday.

Playing against a strong Kilmarnock side in the first round of the National Shield ‘Craigs almost pulled off a shock result.

But a sluggish start – which saw them tailing by three tries after just 10 minutes – proved too big a deficit to pull back.

Straight from the kick off there was confusion in the ranks with no one claiming the ball, putting the home side on the back immediately.

And the travelling Kilmarnock boys kept up the pressure before good handling in the backs saw them cross for the first try of the day.

Another two quick-fire tries put ‘Craigs on the ropes but they began to settle and started to look dangerous towards the end of the half.

After some stern words at half time from coach Jim Henderson ‘Craigs came out after the break with renewed vigour.

Looking to dominate through the forwards Whitecraigs started to put some good phases together.

And after just 15 minutes they got their reward when a fantastic set penalty move put Keith Hunter through a gap and over the line.

The score seemed to rattle the visitors and ‘Craigs went on the hunt for another try.

Having pinned Killie back in the danger zone a strong driving maul saw ‘Craigs crash over the line and Keith Hunter emerged from a pile of bodies to claim his second try of the day.

In the closing minutes Whitecriags pushed hard for the win but their challenge was finally killed off and Kilmarnock advance to next round after their 10-15 victory.

Whitecraigs now have a three week break to prepare for the crucial final two games of the season which need to be won clinch the championship crown.

Team: Laidlaw, B. Blamire, McCormick, F. Hunter, Pollock, N. Blamire, Smylie, K. Hunter, Johnstone, Campbell, Mahindru, Farrell, Hutton (c), Kemp, Stevenson. Subs – Berry, Haswell, Deans, Hart.